A Snow Lovers’ Paradise

Five Peaks, 2098 acres of expansive terrain and an average snowfall of 366 inches annually. Breckenridge truly is a snow lovers’ paradise! With its base sitting at 10,000 ft., Breckenridge has one of the longest ski seasons in the US and receives more snow than almost anywhere else in Colorado. Whether you’re a novice boarder or skier, or the next Olympic gold medallist, there are slopes and lessons for every level available. From the bustling main street, with its toasty fire places and craft beers, to festivals celebrating Nordic gods, snow sculpture art competitions and film festivals, there’s fun in store for all who venture here. This giant snowy playground is just waiting to be explored.

Image courtesy of blog.breckenridge.com

To Snowboard or To Ski:

I am always a snowboarding advocate not only because it’s my favourite snow sport but because Breckenridge is an absolute dream for snowboarders. For those who love skiing don’t worry, it’s brilliant for you too. Whatever you choose, snowboarding or skiing, you’re bound to have a ball.

If you’ve never been snowboarding or skiing before the best way to choose between the two is this…

Snowboarding: harder to learn but easier to master (plus you look like a badass once you stop falling on your butt!)

Skiing: Easier to learn but harder to master

For beginners or those wanting to brush up on their skills, lessons are available at all levels and age groups with experienced instructors guiding you to being a pro.

Lessons range from: $75 to $830 US offering everything from 1 day or 3 day lessons all the way through to camps and private lessons.

Image courtesy of ski.com. Image credit: Aaron Dodds.

Where to Stay:

The Lodge at Breckenridge is a gorgeous boutique hotel boasting million dollar views. There are several stunning guestrooms available at The Lodge. Ranging from the Sunlight Peak Suite, which has some of the most magnificent views of the sun rising over the mountain, through to the rustically designed Lodge King room. Two private homes – The Alpine House and The Summit House – are located adjacent to The Lodge guestrooms. The private houses offer a little extra luxury for those really wanting to escape to their winter wonderland holiday in style.

The Alpine House is a private 18,000 square foot mountain log home with three bedrooms (two king and one twin), 3.5 bathrooms, wrap around decking, a gas burning fire place and an outdoor grill.

The Summit House is perfect for people wanting to bring their pup on holiday. This pet-friendly mountain log home is equipped with three bedrooms (1 king, 1 queen and 1 twin), 3.5 bathrooms and a private hot tub to relax after a day on the slopes.

The forest surrounding both the Alpine and Summit Houses provides extra privacy and an added magical element to the mountain lodges.

Rates:

Alpine House December 2018: $529*/night (minimum 2x nights)

Summit House December 2018: $529*/night (minimum 2x nights)

*Prices vary per night depending on month and dates of stay.

Image courtesy of The Lodge at Breckenridge

The Crystal Peak Lodge two-bedroom condo is another winner in the world of luxury accommodation at Breckenridge Ski Resort. The condo, located at the base of Peak 7, is expertly fitted with alder wood doors, exquisite furniture, stylish stone gas fireplace and gloriously large baths all to welcome you with every comfort desired.

The master bedroom is fitted with a king-sized bed, the second bedroom with posture-pedic twin beds and for those wanted to add extra guests a queen sized, high-end automatic air mattress pull-out sofa bed is in the lounge area. Top of the line appliances are found through-out the property, including a Panasonic stereo iPod docking system for the music lovers out there.

Not only do you have access to a movie theatre, a bowling alley, spa and salon services, a gym and an outdoor plaza equipped with toasty warm hot tubs but you’re free to enjoy the ski-in and ski-out services to the resorts major ski lifts and gondola connection for the Peak 8 activities centre. Whatever it is you’re looking for in your winter getaway Crystal Peak Lodge has it all.

Rates*:

Christmas: $820/night US

New Year: $1,145/night US

Peak Ski Season: $540/night US

*All stays at the property include a $110 cleaning fee and $29 rental damage protection fee.

Image courtesy of Crystal Peak Lodge

When to Go:

Trying to decide when to go to Breckenridge is a tough task. Throughout the abnormally long ski season, there are loads of events and activates that will make you want to stay the whole season. Breckenridge promotes four events that you can’t possibly miss, which may help the choice… or make it harder.

December: The Lighting of Breckenridge and Races of the Santas is a bucket full of fun, running on the first weekend of December. You can participate or watch hundreds of Santas run their way down the main street, enjoy a holiday market, some joyful carols and even a dog parade.

January: January is my pick of best time to go with two fantastic events on offer. The first, Ullr Festival. This festival will have been going for 55 years in January of 2019. It’s a party for any age to join in and celebrate Nordic gods. Kings and Queens are crowned, bonfires are had, talent shows, the World Record Shot Ski event, parades, comedy nights and the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. The events run over four days so don your Viking hats and slap on the skis. To make January even better, there is a second not to be missed event towards the end of the month: International Snow Sculpture Championships. Teams from all over the world come to Breckenridge to participate in the competition, each hoping to take away a medal and international recognition. The phenomenal talent and craftsmanship is a mind-blowing sight to see.

March: Two words for you… Mardi Gras! Masks, feather boas, music, glitter take over Breckenridge every year to celebrate Mardi Gras. It simply cannot be missed!

All in all, no matter when you go to Breckenridge you’re bound to have an exceptional time on and off the slopes!